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Reviews by KiLKaras

85

Not Your Average RPG

First off, this is a Turned-Based RPG, if you dislike Turn-Based combat this isn't the game for you.

If you do however like turn-based combat, you are in for a treat.

Blackguards a TBRPG using the Dark Eye Universe PnP rules. This means in combat you have a certain chance to fail a move, modified by your stats and equipment.

The game is primarily focused on the combat which I will touch on in a while. But make no mistake, the game's story, dialogue and characters are surprisingly good.

What sets the characters apart from generic RPGs is the witty dialogue. Each character has a distinctive speaking style, aided by some great voice acting. The dialogue is actually interesting to listen to and quite funny but not in a stupid way.

The story is ok, its pretty standard RPG fare but its elevated by the aforementioned characters and dialogue.

Be warned though, the game is quite linear and only opens up in chapter 3 which takes quite a few hours. (I reached chapter 2 in 8 hours or so.)

What prevents tedium are the battles. Each encounter is on a unique map, with its own unique interactive environments (No random encounters). For example, in one battle you might be in a swamp where you can lure enemies into sinkholes or blow them up via swamp gas. Yes, the environment plays a big part in how battles play out if you use it to your advantage.

There are quite a few abilities to play with which keeps combat fresh. Although some of the spells fail too often for my liking (balancing issue).
You can choose a pre-made character or create one from scratch. So you can have a hybrid mage/warrior etc.

Blackguards is not a perfect game, but it has the "just keep playing" factor that many AAA games lack (from my experience). I thoroughly enjoyed my 9 hours or so with Blackguards so far and keep coming back to it. With an apparent 40 hours or so playtime for one playthrough, I think I got my moneys worth and then some.

90

Incredible Story, Beautiful Setting, Great Game

Bioshock Infinite is a flawed work of art. The story is wonderful and moving and is the core of the experience.

The distinctive visuals also keep you immersed. Seriously the artstyle of this game is truly unique and beautiful.

Gameplay is where the game falters. Enemies are bullet sponges especially on higher difficulties. You are given a shield but it drains too fast even if you max it out. The guns are pretty boring, shotgun, machine gun, pistol, rocket launcher etc.

The use of vigors (powers) save the gameplay from mediocrity.

Great game but flawed gameplay. Play it for the story if nothing else.